Princess is the traditional premium line: calmer than Royal Caribbean, livelier than a river ship, with a long track record carrying older travelers - especially to Alaska. Senior reviewers call it a strong fit with caveats. Here is the detail, and how the big lines compare.
Atmosphere
Traditional and unpretentious. The crowd skews 50-70 on longer sailings, younger on short Caribbean runs. No climbing walls or gimmicks - instead, Movies Under the Stars, production shows, a proper library and good lecture programs on destination-heavy itineraries. Evenings feel sociable rather than loud.
Pace
Moderate and well-organized. Port-intensive itineraries (Alaska, Mediterranean, Japan) keep days structured; sea days offer enough trivia, dance classes and enrichment to fill, without pressure. The Medallion wearable handles cabin access, onboard ordering and wayfinding - genuinely useful for finding your way on a 3,000-guest ship.
Accessibility
Good, with honest caveats. Accessible cabins and step-free routes are standard, and the Medallion's delivery-anywhere service helps travelers who tire. But some ships are long, and tender ports (common in Alaska and the Mediterranean) can exclude wheelchair users. Check itinerary ports before booking; see cruising with limited mobility.
Food
Solid mid-premium. The main dining room is dependable, the buffet improved on newer ships, and specialty restaurants (Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian) run $35-55 per person. Not Celebrity's level, but consistently good, and the included pizza and poolside grill are the best casual food in class.
Price
Seven-night fares run $800-1,400 per person, with Alaska and Japan at the top of the range. Gratuities around $18-20 per person per day (raised in 2026), drinks packages $60-100 per day, wifi about $25 per day. A couple's week runs $2,600-4,000 all-in. See how cruise gratuities work.
Who it suits - and who it doesn't
Suits: first-time cruisers over 50, Alaska travelers (Princess has the deepest Alaska program of the big lines), and anyone who wants structure without stuffiness. Doesn't suit: travelers wanting cutting-edge dining, big thrills, or a very quiet ship in peak season.
The five-minute version
- Traditional premium: average age 50-70 on long sailings.
- Medallion wearable: cabin key, ordering and wayfinding in one.
- Deepest Alaska program of the mainstream lines.
- $800-1,400 per person for 7 nights, $2,600-4,000 per couple all-in.
- Best for first-timers and Alaska; not for foodies or thrill-seekers.